Croatia Vacation, Tours & Travel Experiences

Croatia is relatively new as a worldwide tourist destination which is surprising considering the attractions of its spectacular coastal scenery and its long and interesting history, perfect for a Croatia vacation. It is situated on the east side of the Adriatic Sea to the east of Italy and borders Slovenia to the north-west, Hungary to the north, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the south-east, Serbia in the east and Montenegro to the south. It was part of the original Yugoslavia. Tourism accounts for up to 20% of Croatian GDP. The bulk of the tourist industry is concentrated along the Adriatic Sea coast. It is ranked as the 18th most popular tourist destination in the world.

Croatia Geography

The country is geographically diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border and low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline and islands. There are 1,246 islands dotted around the Adriatic coastline. The largest ones are Krk and Cres.

Northern Croatia has a temperate continental climate whereas the central and upland regions have a mountainous climate. The entire Adriatic coast has a pleasant Mediterranean climate, perfect fora Croatia vacation. Spring and Fall are mild along the coast.

Croatia is a land with a rich cultural heritage which is certainly discovered in the numerous museums, galleries and churches, but also, where even the shortest stroll becomes a journey through thousands of years of history which has been, at times, turbulent and, exciting. On a Croatia vacation, whether walking through narrow white stone streets and alleys or climbing the green slopes of Central Croatia to the fairy-like fortresses and castles, each step is an ever new experience. Croatia is also a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean.

Because of its geographic position, Croatia represents a blend of four different cultural spheres. It has been influenced by both western and eastern cultures. There are, in total, seven UNESCO world heritage sites.

Croatia Cuisine

Croatian traditional cuisine varies from one region to another. Dalmatia and Istria draw upon Italian and other Mediterranean cuisines which feature various seafood, cooked vegetables and pasta dishes as well as condiments such as olive oil and garlic. The continental cuisine is heavily influenced by Hungarian, Austrian and Turkish cuisine which includes meats, freshwater fish and vegetable dishes. There are three distinct wine-producing regions in Croatia. The continental region in the north-east of the country, especially Slavonia is capable of producing premium wines, particularly whites. Along the north coast, Istrian and Krk wines are similar to those produced in neighbouring Italy, while further south, in Dalmatia, Mediterranean-style red wines are the norm.

What are the top cities to visit in Croatia?

Zagreb, the capital, is a vibrant city. It has a charming medieval' old city with architecture and cobbled streets reminiscent of Vienna, Budapest, Prague and other Central-European capitals.

Dubrovnik, probably the best-known tourist centre in Croatia, is a stunningly intact walled city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of the country and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a seaport and is nicknamed "Pearl of the Adriatic". Dubrovnik was one of the centres of the development of the Croatian language and literature, home to many notable poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians, physicists and other scholars. Today, on a Croatia vacation package, it is one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean. George Bernard Shaw once said that "those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it". Royalty, presidents and diplomats have all favoured the city. Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries and museums.

Split is a city in Central Dalmatia and was originally built around the Diocletian Palace (a palace/fort built for the retired Roman Emperor Diocletian. It is the economic hub of the eastern Adriatic shoreline. One can still see the Roman walls, squares, and temples which remain. Because of its ideal climate, it has been nicknamed "The most beautiful city in the world" and "Mediterranean flower".

Where are the top resorts in Croatia?

Istria is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea located at the head of the Adriatic between the Gulf of Trieste and the Bay of Kvarner. It is shared by three countries: Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. The Italian influence is fairly dominant. On a Croatia vacation package, the major resort is Porec with good beaches. Inland is Pula with its interesting Roman amphitheatre.

The Kvarner Gulf is a bay in the northern Adriatic Sea located between the Istrian Peninsula and the northern mainland. It includes the seaport city of Rijeka and the resort of Opatija, a popular summer and winter resort surrounded by beautiful woods of bay laurel. The whole seacoast to the north and south of Opatija is rocky and picturesque and contains several smaller winter resorts.

So, on a Croatia vacation, the choice is yours.

"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Croatia Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to a Croatia. vacation.

Consider an additional stopover to your Croatia vacation at one of Goway's other European destinations. You can choose from a Paris vacation, a London vacation or an Amsterdam vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Croatia.

Croatia Highlights: Zagreb, Split & Dubrovnik

Start in the capital, Zagreb, Croatia’s centre of culture, innovation, and opportunity. Next is Split which dates back to the Roman era, where you'll enjoy a visit to River Krka Waterfalls and Sibenik. Finally, visit Dubrovnik, taking your time exploring this renowned walled city, known for its old town, bars and restaurants.

Explore three of the great cities of Italy before cruising the Adriatic to Croatia and Greece. This European vacation takes you through Rome, Florence, and Venice to see iconic Italian sites before cruising the waters of the Adriatic Sea to showcase historical treasures from Dubrovnik to Athens.

Discover Croatia’s surprising spectacular beautiful coastline where dramatic cliffs rise out of the sea and picturesque islands are scattered everywhere. Visit the interesting and charming resorts of Trogir, Korcula, Split, and the “jewel in the crown”, Dubrovnik each with their own individual attractions.

Start in the capital, Zagreb, Croatia’s centre of culture, innovation, and opportunity. Next is Split which dates back to the Roman era, where you'll enjoy a visit to River Krka Waterfalls and Sibenik. Finally, visit Dubrovnik, taking your time exploring this renowned walled city, known for its old town, bars and restaurants.

Staying in the fabled walled city, explore the highlights of the Adriatic including neighbouring islands and beautiful Montenegro. Then spend a day exploring Dubrovnik, one of Europe's favourite coastal cities, where the winding, narrow streets are bursting with life.

Cruise from Dubrovnik to Split along the picturesque Dalmatian Coast. Enjoy tours of both these charming cities and explore equally interesting ports of call which offer medieval towns, ancient Roman sites, old walled cities, interesting museums and an opportunity to swim and rent a bike.

Head on a picturesque cruise along the Dalmatian Coast from Dubrovnik to Split on this Croatia vacation. A cruise is the perfect way to explore medieval towns like Korcula and Hvar, and lets you enjoy the history, culture, and stunning beaches this strip of Croatia has to offer.

Cruise the Dalmatian coast to discover one of Europe’s newest, yet most timeless and beautiful ‘it’ destinations. This Croatia cruise takes you to delightful villages, old and new, all while sailing the beautiful waters of the Adriatic.

The perfect way to experience the extraordinary beauty of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Sail from Split and cruise south to Dubrovnik stopping at the emerging resort of Makarska with its excellent beaches and old world charm and at Mljet with its scenic National Park and beaches..

This round trip Dubrovnik cruise provides a chance to explore this beautiful destination by sea. Relax as you travel from sight to sight and discover why this destination continues to grow in popularity. Highlights include Dubrovnik, Mljet National Park, Cetina River Canyon, Korcula, Split, and Hvar.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise through an archipelago of idyllic islands off the coast of Croatia. The cruise is sandwiched between two lovely charming historic cities, Zadar and Dubrovnik. There is also time to explore the old city and port of Split.

Commencing from Croatia’s fascinating capital, Zagreb, visit the wonders of Croatia including the Roman sites in Opatija, Plitvice Lakes with their magnificent waterfalls, Split with its Roman walls, historical Trogir and Dubrovnik with its excellent beaches and medieval old town.

A one week cruise aboard a luxury air-conditioned motor yacht with only 9 cabins. Enjoy the outstanding beauty of the Dalmatian coast of Croatia calling in at a selection of islands, all breathtakingly beautiful and some totally unspoilt and remote.

Most Croatia tours focus on the Dalmatian Coast. This unique adventure takes you through the northern part of the country along with neighbouring Slovenia. Both regions are home to medieval villages, a proud wine culture, and some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe.

Explore the rich history of the ascendant Balkan nations on the Adriatic. Walk the ramparts of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, haggle for fine antiques in the Ottoman bazaar of Bascarsija in Sarajevo and stand atop the Kalemegdan Fortress in the “White City” of Belgrade.

Built around the Diocletian Palace, Split's legacy dates back to the 4th century Romans, and is keenly felt as you wander its charming streets. This UNESCO World Heritage listed city is also a perfect base for exploring the beautiful Dalmatian Coast.

This self-drive offers an easy way to enjoy Croatia’s best sights at your own pace. Spend some time in Zagreb before making your way to Plitvice Lakes and Split. Your journey ends in historic Dubrovnik, where you'll enjoy two full days to explore on your own, or take one of the region's many day trips.